The software maker confirms plans to spend up to $499 million to build a modular data center in Southern Virginia.
Microsoft has confirmed plans to build a large new data center in Mecklenburg County, Va., as the company is once again expanding its data center operations.
In a press release from the Virginia governor's office, Microsoft said it will spend up to $499 million to open the facility, which will use its latest modular, fourth-generation approach and will be located near the town of Boydton. The governor's office touted the plant as "the largest economic investment in Southern Virginia history."
Microsoft was quite vague in its description of the center, saying only that it would use the company's latest modular design, which can be almost entirely pre-outfitted with computers, networking, and power connections. "This new data center will enable the best possible delivery of services to our current and future customers," General Manager Kevin Timmons said in a statement. Microsoft declined to offer any further details.
Will be Largest Investment Project in History of Southern Virginia
Company to Invest up to $499 million and Create 50 New Jobs
Virginia Beats out North Carolina and Texas for Company's Most Advanced Data Center
RICHMOND- Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that Microsoft Corp. will invest up to $499 million to locate their latest generation data center (Gen4) in Mecklenburg County, in what will be the largest economic investment in Southern Virginia history. Using modular technology and advanced cooling mechanics, the center will be Microsoft's most advanced data center. The project will create 50 new jobs and Virginia successfully competed against North Carolina and Texas to secure this sought after facility.
"Microsoft is a household name and securing this global project is a significant economic win for Virginia," said Governor McDonnell. "The company's search process was long and competitive, and a great team of players came together to show Microsoft that Mecklenburg County was the right fit for its new version of a state-of-the-art data center. This project represents the largest investment project in the history of Southern Virginia. It will further bolster the Commonwealth's standing as a leader in the Information Technology sector, while creating new jobs for our citizens and spurring economic development throughout the region."
.